The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board yesterday flagged off the 2015 Hajj enlightenment programme.

Executive Secretary of the board, Hajia Fatimoh Jimoh, in a chat with newsmen, said none of the 1, 942 pilgrims that would be performing this year's Hajj, was sponsored by government.

She said ten officials would be with the pilgrims in the holy land. Hajia Fati said the intending pilgrims had paid balance of their Hajj fare and that the board would start the medical screening soon. She assured that the screening would be very thorough.

"The I, 942 pilgrims have all paid their money and we are going to continue with the enlightenment programme which is a weekly exercise. We will commence our medical screening on Tuesday. We have started collecting our e-passports and processing of visas. As Muslims, we feel that we cannot start anything without calling on Allah. We also used the opportunity to pray for our state and Nigeria as a whole", she said.

The prayer was led by Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, supported by other imams and clerics who called on God to ensure success of the exercise.